Arthropods comprise
the largest animal phylum: there are more
arthropod species than all other animal phyla
combined.
Crustaceans dominate the seas while insects and chelicerates dominate
the land. Characterized by a segmented body covered with a rigid
exoskeleton made of chitin and paired jointed appendages. Animals must
shed their exoskeleton periodically in order to grow. >1 million
living species; 40-50,000 living species of crustaceans alone.

Large crab 15-18 cm across; reddish-brown; large claws
tipped with black; teeth on anterior edge of carapace taper
to a sharp point; underside of body with conspicuous red
spots; juveniles' carapace usually
covered with hair-like setae.

Common, but cryptic; under
rocks and in crevices on
rocky substrate in kelp forests. Predator on hard-shelled
prey
(snails, clams, etc).

Geogr.
Range: British Columbia to Cabo San Lucas, BajaSynonyms:Similar species:Cancer
productus is also reddish with black-tipped claws, but
lacks red spots on underside and carapace teeth are broader &
rounder.

Can be common on sand & mudflats; feeds on
barnacles &
small bivalves. Late stage larvae & young juveniles
commonly
found living on large jellyfish (Chrysaora
spp.)

Geogr.
Range: Prince William Sound Alaska to BajaSynonyms:Similar species:Cancer
productus is larger, reddish with black-tipped
claws;C. antennarius
is larger, has black-tipped claws but also red spots on underside..

Geogr.
Range: Alaska to Baja, uncommon south of central CaliforniaSynonyms:Similar species: young Loxorhynchus crispatus
decorate more heavily; rostrum is shorter with straight horns
lacking rounded outside edges. Loxorhynchus grandis
has a rounder, inflated carapace with wart-like spines and its rostrum
is angled downward rather than
flat.